One of the first steps to planning a Disney World vacation is deciding when your vacation will actually be. There are many factors to consider when choosing the best time for your family, including school and work schedules, crowd levels, special events, and weather. If you end up heading to Disney World between June 1st and November 30th, you will be there for hurricane season.

Rainy day at Hollywood Studios ahead of Hurricane Milton

Now, that does not mean you should avoid that time period completely, it is six months out of the year after all! But, if you are planning a trip to Disney World during hurricane season, you will want to read this! Fans are sharing their experiences and tips, so you can be prepared for your vacation.

First off, just because you are heading to Disney World during hurricane season does NOT mean you will even experience a hurricane while you are there. That is simply the time period during which hurricanes could occur. Being prepared either way is always a good idea, though! We asked our readers about their experiences at Disney World during a hurricane, and we think their stories will likely help you feel a bit more comfortable about booking a trip during hurricane season. Andrea has been through several hurricanes at Disney World, and she said it is the “BEST place to be!” 

Magic Kingdom before Hurricane Helene

Allyson also agreed, writing, “Couldn’t have had a better and more relaxed experience. We felt safe and had everything we could possibly need. Food was available, entertainment, activities, and characters to pass the time and assure my kids! We had to extend our stay 3 days and were blown away at how inexpensive the added cost was. Disney does it right!” Disney World hotels are built to withstand hurricanes, and if Florida residents need to evacuate their homes, many book a room at Disney World because it is so safe. While experiencing a hurricane can be scary, the good news is that Disney World has been through its fair share of them, and Cast Members are prepared to keep everyone safe and as happy as possible. Disney World has plans in place for when a hurricane is coming through, and keeping everyone safe is a top priority.

Rain on Main Street during Hurricane Idalia in 2023

Depending on the storm’s severity, the parks may close, and guests may be asked to remain at their hotels or in their rooms while the storm passes. Simon got caught in Hurricane Milton while staying at Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort and “felt very safe.” They ordered pizza, drank prosecco in a Be Our Guest flashing cup, and watched Golden Girls on Disney+, waiting for the whole thing to blow over. He said it was a “memorable” experience. Oftentimes, Disney World hotels will offer special activities, including movies, character appearances, and more. Nicole wrote that at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, they “handed out flashlights, made the arcade games free, and had extra characters coming around to engage with guests.” Emily shared that while they were at Disney’s Contemporary Resort during a hurricane, they even had parties for kids in the convention rooms. Additionally, the hotels will offer take-away meal boxes for purchase, so you will have food and water for the storm.

Disney World closed due to Hurricane Milton in 2024

Hayden shared LOTS of great tips about being at Disney World during a hurricane. If you have park tickets that go unused, they are automatically extended for 12 months, so you don’t lose them. We always suggest booking through Disney or a travel agent who uses Disney’s systems, as Disney’s Hurricane policy is incredibly guest-friendly. If you book your trip through a third-party like Priceline or Expedia, you will have to go by their policies instead. After the storm has passed, Disney World usually reopens fairly quickly. Cast Members work fast to clear away any debris so you can return to your vacation. However, Melanie warned that if you think it won’t be busy right after a hurricane, you are very wrong!

Magic Kingdom entrance the day after Hurricane Milton

Hayden also shared a few negatives. You will need to remain in your hotel room while the storm is overhead, and you are asked not to leave under any circumstances. He also noted that sometimes there are long lines in the lobby, with concerned guests. Cast Members are often more used to dealing with storms, whereas guests who traveled to Florida may be feeling nervous. However, Hayden said that Cast Members were very patient and took each guest’s concerns seriously. Jessica also chimed in, saying, “I’d also recommend following a local Orlando meteorologist during your trip if a hurricane is expected. They are way less doom & gloom compared to out-of-state meteorologists who aren’t accustomed to tropical storms.”

Magic Kingdom during Hurricane Debby

Hurricanes can also make travel tricky and dangerous. Flights will often get delayed or canceled due to hurricanes, and driving can be especially dangerous. That is why we recommend having a bit of wiggle room in your travel dates if you are traveling during hurricane season. Be prepared for the potential for canceled or delayed flights! While it can still be frustrating when your travel plans get adjusted, it will be much less stressful if you already have a bit of built-in flexibility.

Magic Kingdom during a hurricane

While we know being caught in a hurricane can sound scary, the good news is that Disney World knows a thing or two about hurricanes! We hope these stories from our readers helped you better understand what a hurricane at Disney World is like. Make sure to stay tuned to DFB for all your Disney news!

7 Hurricane Season Tips from a Disney World Expert Who Lives in Florida

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Have you experienced a hurricane while at Disney World? Let us know about your experience in the comments!